Dr. David SugarbakerFocus: Pleural Mesothelioma Mesothelioma

The Mesothelioma Treatment CenterBaylor St. Luke's Medical Center

Dr. Sugarbaker has helped thousands of patients through the development of the extrapleural pneumonectomy and is the leading surgeon treating patients with pleural mesothelioma.

About Dr. Sugarbaker

Dr. David Sugarbaker currently serves as Chief of General Thoracic Surgery and director of the Mesothelioma Treatment Center (MTC) at Baylor College of Medicine. He is considered the leading thoracic surgeon performing extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) surgery.

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Dr. Sugarbaker's Treatment Plan

The extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) was pioneered by Dr. David Sugarbaker and has been extremely successful in leading pleural mesothelioma patients into remission. Dr. Sugarbaker believes in treating mesothelioma aggressively. His philosophy of surgery is that it’s better to be safe and remove the lung than to leave the lung but accidentally leave cancer cells behind.

Not every patient needs to have a lung removed, but Dr. Sugarbaker believes it is often necessary. He also collaborates with other doctors to create a multimodal treatment plan. When paired with chemotherapy and/or radiation, surgery can dramatically increase the life expectancy of a mesothelioma patient.

Dr. Sugarbaker’s Treatment Options

Extrapleural Pneumonectomy (EPP) Removes the diseased lung as well as the lining covering the lung, heart, and diaphragm. This removes as much cancerous material as possible.

Pleurectomy with Decortication (P/D) Removes the lining of the lung, and sometimes other diseased tissue. This option works for patients whose disease has not spread too far.

Intrapleural Chemotherapy Following surgery, heated chemotherapy drugs (107 degrees) are applied directly to the cancerous area to kill any remaining cells.

Systemic Chemotherapy Traditional chemotherapy is given orally or intravenously. Ongoing chemotherapy after surgery can help keep cancer from returning.

Radiation Therapy Powerful beams are used to keep cancer cells from regrouping and decreases the risk of future recurrence. It may be given before or after surgery.

Clinical Trials Expands treatment options to all new and innovative treatments. Baylor is home to some of the most important new research.

Dr. Sugarbaker is also aggressive about recovery. Patients start walking soon after surgery to help kickstart the recovery process.

Patient Experience

Many mesothelioma patients have been treated by Dr. Sugarbaker and experienced the incredible results of his procedures. Many survivors of mesothelioma who received this specialized care proudly share what it meant to them and how it saved their lives.

About the Writer, Jamie Iovino

Jamie Iovino is the senior writer at Mesothelioma Guide. She creates and edits pages to make sure mesothelioma patients and their families receive the newest and most accurate information about mesothelioma.